UNGASS 10-year Review - TNI

The UN's International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) 2009 annual report criticizes Argentina, Brazil and Mexico for moving to decriminalize the possession of drugs for personal consumption, cautioning that such moves may "send the wrong message." According to the Transnational Institute (TNI) and the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), the criticisms overstep the INCB's mandate and constitute unwarranted intrusions into these countries' sovereign decision-making. 

Promoting more humane, balanced, and effective drug laws in Latin America

The drug law reform project, in which a number of Latin American judicial experts and legislators participate, aims to promote more humane, balanced, and effective drug laws.

The project was created with the realization that after decades of the same drug policy, the efforts have not curved the expanding drug markets, and instead have led to human rights violations, a crisis in the judicial and penitentiary systems, the consolidation of organized crime, and the marginalization of drug users who are pushed out of reach of the health care systems. We believe it’s time for an honest discussion on drug policy strategy, aiming at significant changes in both legislation and implementation

This briefing summarizes good practices in legislative reforms around the world, representing steps away from a repressive zero-tolerance model towards a more evidence-based and humane drug policy.

The examples provide lessons learned in practice about less punitive approaches and their impact on levels of drug use and drugrelated harm to the individual and society. Evidence suggests that legislation lessening criminalization combined with shifting resources from law enforcement and incarceration to prevention, treatment and harm reduction is more effective in reducing drug-related problems. 

Legislative Innovation in Drug Policy
Martin Jelsma
Latin American Initiative on Drugs and Democracy, October 2009  

Friday 21 August 2009

ECOSOC adopts procedure for Bolivia's amendment

On July 30th the Bolivian proposal to amend the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs by deleting the obligation to abolish the chewingof coca leaf was on the ECOSOC agenda (UN Social and Economic Council). After informal negotiations, the 54 members of ECOSOC decided unanimously to pass the amendment proposal on to the Parties of the Convention for their consideration. They now have 18 months to express any objections or comments on the Bolivian request.